MRS. BUSH: I'm often asked, what are some of the really neat things
about getting to be the First Lady of the United States? And I will
have to say having Patrick Ramsey introduce you is one of them.
(Laughter.)

So thank you very much, Patrick. And thank you very much for joining
us today to highlight the importance of service. And Nick and Aris,
students who are here, and all these other students who are here in our
audience, they know the rewards of serving a neighbor in need.

I want to thank Senator Graham, Mayor Williams from Washington, of
course, for supporting Centers of Caring, like the Capital Area Food
Bank. And to Lynn Brantley and to Bill Rudnick and the many volunteers
who volunteer and are here all the time to help feed the hungry, thank
you all very, very much.

Brad and the Souper Bowl of Caring volunteers will make this a Super
Bowl to remember. Today, I invite every American to join their team.
Over the next 10 days, support youth volunteers all across the country
as they lead the charge against hunger, and on Super Bowl Sunday
contribute one dollar to help a neighbor in need in your community.

An estimated 130 million Americans will watch the Super Bowl. Imagine
how many hungry families we could feed if everyone just gives one
dollar. One person alone cannot do everything. But these young people
show us that one person can do something. They remind us that you don't
have to throw a touchdown to win with someone. You don't have to wear a
badge to rescue someone. And you don't need a medical degree to help
somebody feel better. You don't have to run for office to change your
country. Volunteers are heroes. And through acts of love and kindness,
you help build a more compassionate America.

These young people teach us that the answers to many of our country's
most pressing problems can be found in our communities, in our churches
and in our hearts. What began in one small church in South Carolina has
grown to 12,000 centers across the country. Through collections of $1
bills, more than $20 million has been raised to fight hunger over the
past 10 years and new generations of young people are continuing this
great tradition of service in America.

In the story of Jesus feeding 5,000 people in the Gospel of John, one
child put his faith in God and inspired others to share with their
neighbors. This little child believed that the little he had to give
could make a difference. And that's the spirit of the Souper Bowl of
Caring.

In accordance with this story, youth volunteers from Alamo Heights
Christian Church in my home state of Texas planned to collect 5,000
food items. Their teachers suggested that they target a more realistic
goal of 500. But these dedicated young people persisted and they
exceeded their goal. This is the spirit of volunteerism.

On Super Bowl weekend, I encourage every American to give what they
can and to give hope to those in need. President Bush and I are
grateful for volunteers across America for inspiring others to love
their neighbors. And we're especially thankful for the idealism and
the spirit of the young people from Souper Bowl of Caring. Thank you
all very, very much. (Applause.)